Atomic Layer Deposition of CdS Quantum Dots for Solid‐State Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells

Functioning quantum dot (QD) sensitized solar cells have been fabricated using the vacuum deposition technique atomic layer deposition (ALD). Utilizing the incubation period of CdS growth by ALD on TiO₂, we are able to grow QDs of adjustable size which act as sensitizers for solid‐state QD‐sensitized solar cells (ssQDSSC). The size of QDs, studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), varied with the number of ALD cycles from 1‐10 nm. Photovoltaic devices with the QDs were fabricated and characterized using a ssQDSSC device architecture with 2,2',7,7'‐tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐p methoxyphenylamine) 9,9'‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD) as the solid‐state hole conductor. The ALD approach described here can be applied to fabrication of quantum‐confined structures for a variety of applications, including solar electricity and solar fuels. Because ALD provides the ability to deposit many materials in very high aspect ratio substrates, this work introduces a strategy by which material and optical properties of QD sensitizers may be adjusted not only by the size of the particles but also in the future by the composition.     

Characterization of phytoplankton assemblages in a tropical coastal environment using Kohonen self‐organizing map

This study was aimed at understanding the main abiotic environmental factors controlling the distribution patterns of abundance and composition of phytoplankton (size less than 10 μm) assemblages in the coastal waters of south‐eastern Côte d'Ivoire. Data were collected during two cruises, in January (low‐water period) and October (high‐water period) of 2014. A total of 67 species were identified and assigned to Bacillariophyceae (49%), Cyanophyceae (21%), Chlorophyceae (13%), Euglenophyceae (10%), Dinophyceae (4%) and Chrysophyceae (3%). Three biotic zones (I, IIA and IIB) were distinguishable on a Kohonen self‐organizing map after an unsupervised learning process. The diatom genera Eunotia sp., Navicula sp. and Actinoptychus senarius are significantly associated with I, IIA and IIB biotic zones, respectively. A clear seasonal cum salinity trend was apparent in phytoplankton distribution patterns. Turbidity and nitrate levels were the main abiotic factors controlling phytoplankton distribution in I, the upland tidal regions of the lagoon. In regions along the lagoon–sea continuum, phosphate and turbidity exert the most control during the low‐water season (IIA), while total dissolved solids control phytoplankton distribution during the high‐water season (IIB). These are climate‐sensitive parameters whose concentrations depend on prevailing hydroclimatic processes. Therefore, seasonality can have important consequences on phytoplankton community and inadvertently the productivity of these systems.     

Chromosomal diversity in two synchronopatric species of Hoffmannseggella (Orchidaceae)

Hoffmannseggella viridiflora Verola & Semir (Laeliinae, Orchidaceae) is a recently discovered species in the campos rupestres vegetation of the Espinhaço Range, MG, Brazil, in synchronopatry with H. bradei (Pabst) V. P. Castro & Chiron. Both morphological and phenological studies indicate that these species are closely related. To substantiate the differentiation of these two species we examined their chromosome numbers and morphologies. The two species had different chromosome numbers, with H. bradei having 2n = 40 and H. viridiflora having 2n = 44 chromosomes, an aneuploid number not previously documented in the genus. Meiotic behavioral studies undertaken with H. bradei revealed many abnormalities related to bivalent numbers and chromosome migration, suggesting that meiotic abnormalities could generate aneuploid gametes and perhaps aneuploid zygotes. Karyotype formulas and chromosome morphologies are quite different between the species, so H. viridiflora was not directly derived from H. bradei through simple chromosome additions. Complementary analyses are necessary to understand the process and species involved in the origin of H. viridiflora.     

Burial of nonpolar surface area and thermodynamic stabilization of globins as a function of chain elongation

Proteins are biosynthesized from N to C terminus before they depart from the ribosome and reach their bioactive state in the cell. At present, very little is known about the evolution of conformation and the free energy of the nascent protein with chain elongation. These parameters critically affect the extent of folding during ribosome‐assisted biosynthesis. Here, we address the impact of vectorial amino acid addition on the burial of nonpolar surface area and on the free energy of native‐like structure formation in the absence of the ribosomal machinery. We focus on computational predictions on proteins bearing the globin fold, which is known to encompass the 3/3, 2/2, and archaeal subclasses. We find that the burial of nonpolar surface increases progressively with chain elongation, leading to native‐like conformations upon addition of the last C‐terminal residues, corresponding to incorporation of the last two helices. Additionally, the predicted folding entropy for generating native‐like structures becomes less unfavorable at nearly complete chain lengths, suggesting a link between the late burial of nonpolar surface and water release. Finally, the predicted folding free energy takes a progressive favorable dip toward more negative values, as the chain gets longer. These results suggest that thermodynamic stabilization of the native structure of newly synthesized globins during translation in the cell is significantly enhanced as the chain elongates. This is especially true upon departure of the last C‐terminal residues from the ribosomal tunnel, which hosts ca., 30–40 amino acids. Hence, we propose that release from the ribosome is a crucial step in the life of single‐domain proteins in the cell. Proteins 2014; 82:2318–2331. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Lack of adequate seed supply is a major bottleneck for effective ecosystem restoration in Chile: friendly amendment to Bannister et al. (2018)

We argue that the need for a quality seed supply chain is a major bottleneck for the restoration of Chile's native ecosystems, thus supplementing the list of bottlenecks proposed by Bannister et al. in 2018. Specifically, there is a need for defining seed transfer zones, developing standards and capacities for properly collecting and storing seeds, reducing information gaps on seed physiology and longevity, and implementing an efficient seed supply chain with certification of seed origin and quality. Without such capacities, countries are unlikely to meet their restoration commitments. Although we focus on bottlenecks in Chile, the issues we raise are relevant to other countries and thus the global agenda for ecological restoration.